Review: Raised by Ghosts by Sarah Loewinsohn
When I first heard about Raised by Ghosts, I was intrigued not just by the title, which hints at a whimsical blend of nostalgia and eeriness, but by the author’s previous work, Ephemera: A Memoir. Though I’m not typically drawn to young adult comics, Loewinsohn’s artistic exploration of complex themes captured my attention. This time around, her narrative takes us deeper into the formative middle school years, a period often fraught with challenge and confusion. As someone who’s lived through similar moments of solitude and introspection, I found myself oddly connected to Loewinsohn’s experiences.
In Raised by Ghosts, we meet a young protagonist navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence without the guiding lighthouse of parental support. The choice to keep the parents entirely off-panel is clever and poignant; it amplifies the sense of isolation permeating her life. This isn’t merely a coming-of-age story but an exploration of loneliness, self-discovery, and the creative outlets that emerge from solitude. Loewinsohn weaves in diary entries and fleeting notes that resonate deeply with anyone who has scribbled their thoughts away while blasting their favorite music—those perfect, transformative moments that now feel like echoes of the past.
The writing style is beautifully introspective, characterized by a poetic cadence that makes every page inviting. While I initially found the diary-style annotations a bit distracting, I soon realized they added layers to her narrative, revealing internal struggles and dreams that many readers might find familiar. It’s a daring choice, and it serves to create an intimate snapshot of not just her experiences, but a world that resonates with universal themes of growing up: the awkwardness, the artfulness, the myriad of mixtapes made in isolation, and the ink spilled over hopes and fears.
One of the standout moments for me was a scene where the protagonist contemplates the fleeting nature of friendships and the inevitable drift that accompanies growing older. Loewinsohn captures this with such tender precision that I found myself reflecting on my own youthful relationships, both the warmth they provided and the pangs of their dissolution. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about recognizing the ghosts of our past and the impact they continue to have on who we are.
While Raised by Ghosts strikes a chord with those who share Loewinsohn’s generational context, it transcends mere age barriers. It speaks to anyone who has felt adrift, those who have immersed themselves in music or art as a refuge, regardless of their current stage in life. I can easily see this resonating with young adults today, even if they’re living in a vastly different world. Its exploration of creativity, vulnerability, and growth is universal but presented with a unique specificity that makes it worth savoring.
In conclusion, I walked away from Raised by Ghosts feeling a deep sense of connection—not just to Loewinsohn’s narrative, but also to the ghosts of my own past. With its beautiful illustrations, poignant storytelling, and relatable themes of teenage introspection, this comic is an essential read for anyone navigating their own journey of self-discovery. I give it three and a half stars. If you’ve ever felt like a ghost in your own life or found solace in creativity while growing up in a fragmented world, this book might just find a place in your heart.